Peterborough United made an emphatic response to their 1-0 home defeat at the weekend by slaughtering Millwall at the ABAX Stadium. Three goals in the first twenty minutes was part of an unbelievable start by Grant McCann’s men where the Posh were relentless in attack and the Lions were unable to cope with the searing tempo the home side were playing with. Two more goals followed in the second half before Steve Morison pulled back a late consolation. All the home players were on it from the first whistle in what was an excellent performance in more ways than one. I assess each Peterborough United players performance.

Ben Alnwick – 7/10

The goalkeeper played a much bigger part than the scoreline suggests and that’s purely down to one moment in the first half where he made a crucial block with the scoreline at 2-0. The rebound from his save still should’ve found the net but the ‘keeper did his duty and this was actually a key moment in the game I felt. Flapped at the odd cross but generally a comfortable night for the 29 year old who cleared his lines well.

Michael Smith – 7/10

The Northern Irishman is a reliable figure and that was the case again vs Millwall. He stuck to his defensive duties with discipline and made some good runs down the right side making some good decisions throughout the match. Probably one of the most guilty parties for being loose in possession but nonetheless a good solid game from the right back.

The centre back put in a good shift although he wasn’t always convincing. It looked like Lee Gregory and Steve Morison had the better of him physically and he was caught possession in the second half near his own box but regardless of this he swept away the danger more often than not and cut out quite a few opportunities that meant Neil Harris’s side were not allowed back into the game.

Michael Bostwick – 7/10

A no nonsense approach, Bostwick made some important blocks and dealt with pretty much anything that came his way apart from in the air where he wasn’t convincing. This was shown for the Millwall goal where he lost the key header which was nodded down for Morison to apply the finish. Overall though yet another good display and crucially his ability to play as a central midfielder was evident when playing out from the back, starting attacks from deep.

Andrew Hughes – 7/10

Part of a steady back four, Hughes provides a nice balance in my opinion. He carried out the tasks required from a left back staying in position and being sensible with his distribution. He offers an aerial threat out wide when an out ball is needed and looks to be a dependable acquisition.

Chris Forrester – 9/10

A fairly faultless performance from the Irishman. He ran the show spreading the play and dictating the tempo with quick thinking. He always came out with the play gliding past his opponents on quite a few occasions. He even cleared one off the line in the second half which summed it up, he was everywhere and won the ball back for his side as well. Superb.

Jermaine Anderson – 7/10

The most difficult player to rate, the 20 year old endured a mixed game where his touch was sometimes off and was caught in possession but Anderson also showed touches of class as he repeatedly let the ball run across his body and picked out some fine balls. Provided plenty of energy and was hungry for the ball which alongside Forrester, provided a good base for plenty of attacks.

Gwion Edwards – 9/10

I thought the winger was excellent. He was very clever with his positional sense and drove at the defence with speed and precision which caused problems. I was impressed with his stability in his game, working tirelessly to help out Hughes on the left side but also by working for the team in everything that he did, picking out the right option if a team mate was in a better position. Deserved his two goals which he took well and was easily one of three contenders for man of the match.

His style will generally cause an element of hit and miss and that was again the case. He started the game well, scoring from a cross but also providing a threat down the right hand side where he can take his man on from either side. The winger also did track back and help out defensively even though he clearly is not a team player. His impact became less effective as the game went on as he gave the ball away although he significantly was part of the heavy damage caused early on.

Paul Taylor – 9/10

Missed a good opening early on but after then Taylor demolished the Millwall back line causing all sorts of problems. He drifted into spaces all over the pitch turning past players constantly and building attacks with tempo. Took his goal well and looked very sharp. The Millwall players will be glad to see the back of him, a joy to watch a player like that when they are in that type of form.

Tom Nichols – 7/10

A predatory goal was a just reward for the striker who didn’t have a huge involvement in the game considering the waves of Peterborough attacks. He was looking to get on the end of chances but impressively was willing to put himself about and be a nuisance to the opposition. He linked up well with his team mates when asked and you’d suspect an impressive partnership with Taylor could be key as they look to compliment each other nicely.

Peterborough fans, do you agree with these ratings? Let us know in the comments below!